Smoking in Pregnancy

Smoking in pregnancy is a public health issue of significant magnitude in Lebanon. A considerable number of pregnant women in Lebanon smoke during pregnancy, both cigarettes and waterpipe and have limited knowledge about tobacco harm effects and many misconceptions about its constituents. A smoking history is often overlooked in antenatal care clinics and hence smoking cessation policies rarely discussed. These evidences emphasize the importance of addressing smoking habits during one of the most significant phases of a woman's reproductive lifetime. Because most women in Lebanon attend antenatal care clinics, pregnancy can be considered as a golden opportunity to intercept women smokers and address smoking cessation for the welfare of both the mother and the fetus altogether.

Monique Chaaya Associate professor & ChairDepartment of Epidemiology and Population HealthFaculty of Health sciencesAmerican University of Beirutext 4640 /4649Fax 961-1-744470

This document has been produced with grant from the World Lung Foundation. The contents of this document are the sole responsibility of the authors and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the positions of the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union) or the donors